Everything I Do, I Do For You

Chapter 21

Belinda Bassett had broken her number one rule. Dressed in the most beautiful yet uncomfortable dress she had ever seen, she stood ready to marry the man she loved. Her father had made some arrangements and was able to have the two of them married in two weeks time, like she had promised. Winning that bet, despite it's silly nature, made Belinda feel like she was on top of the world.

Admiring herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but think about how she had come so far in one season. In one way, she was letting her mother win. She had fallen in love, but it wasn't necessarily the worst bet to lose out on. She was coming out the real winner. Still it felt so strange. Watching her sisters get married seemed so easy. Both Amelia and Caroline had handled their weddings with such grace, but that may have just been the type of people that they were. Belinda had felt like a completely different person. Yet she knew that she didn't need to become that person to satisfy Kellan. This wasn't the person he had fallen in love with. That Belinda was hidden under the most uncomfortable layers of clothing a woman had ever had to wear.

It was the most obvious choice what shoes she would wear. She had decided that if she was going to be uncomfortable in her wedding dress, then the slightly too small pink shoes that had belonged to Amelia would be appropriate. Those shoes had been through hell and back, making them all the more perfect symbol of her and Kellan's relationship. Sliding them on for what Belinda had decided would be the last time ever, Belinda was ready to marry.

"I never thought this day would come" Belinda turned to face her mother.

"I did." the duchess answered confidently.

"I suppose you do always know best." Belinda answered, "I am sorry that I have been such an obstinate pain these past few years. I think I have just been afraid."

"You don't need to apologize. Falling in love can be scary, we all act differently."

"I expected you to say that I wasn't a pain." Belinda laughed

"I'm not one to lie," her mother said, tucking one last strand of Belinda's hair into her bun.

"Yes, but stretching the truth is partially alright on one's wedding day, isn't it?" Belinda asked.

"I think you are starting to worry too much. Let me call for your father. Belinda I am so proud of you."

"Thank you mother." Belinda answered quietly.

The wedding was one of the most scary events Belinda had ever been involved in. Twice, she nearly tripped on her own gown. Three times, she had nearly tripped Kellan's young niece Lily, who at only four years old and much shorter than Belinda was nearly invisible next to the gown. And once, when it was her time to speak, she had nearly forgotten the words "I do."

But she hadn't and only a few seconds later, she and Kellan were officially married before God and as much of the extended Bridgerton family that had shown up. Belinda felt as if a weight had been lifted off of her chest. She still felt nervous about what married life had in store for her, but with Kellan she knew that she could handle it.

That evening, while celebrating their marriage among friends and family at Kellan's London home, Belinda nestled closely to her husband.

"People are talking about how quickly we've married. They're beginning to make speculations." Kellan said.

"Speculations that are most definitely true" she answered. It felt odd being the center of attention at an event, especially since she had spent the last three years trying to be as unnoticed as possible.

"I don't really care what they are saying" she said, "Unless it is about them going home."

"Oh I don't either, but I figured since it was the number one topic of conversation, it is something we should talk about too," Kellan laughed, "It is weird seeing you so front and center at any event. Especially since you are not trying to plot my downfall."

Belinda blushed, "I really do hate it."

"We could slip away you know," Kellan suggested.

"Everyone will know." she answered

Kellan kissed her cheek, "Good. If I wish to have alone time with my wife, then I should be allowed to have it. And what two married people do is none of their concern. Come along."

She nodded.

"I don't think I have had the chance to introduce you," he said, bringing her down a partially lit hallway, "This is my family. Or what remains of them."

She studied their faces in the low light. She couldn't help but notice how much Kellan looked like his own father. "I suppose you are the younger child?" Noticing his unmistakable eyes.

"Yes. Though what my brother looks like is almost what I looked like when I was his age."

"Your mother is beautiful." Belinda said.

"She was, wasn't she. I am sure she would have loved you." he said caressing Belinda's cheek, "I hope it doesn't sound mad, but I sometimes imagine that she was telling me how perfect you were, and how foolish I had been to not realize it sooner."

"It does," Belinda answered, "but no more mad than me wishing I could wear breeches." she smiled. "Is this the only picture of the four of you together?"

"It is," Kellan answered, his voice slightly sad, "After my mother had passed, he couldn't bear to look at the portrait so he left it here in London."

"I think we should bring it home with us." Belinda said matter of factly, "It's lovely."

"I never thought to bring it home before'. Kellan said.

"That's because you didn't know me yet. I am full of great ideas." Belinda answered.

"Like marrying me?' Kellan said playfully.

"Yes. I suppose that was one of them too." Belinda smiled.